An earthquake in eastern Turkey has helped incumbent Turkcell win a prestigious tie up with the United Nations (UN).
The carrier has been named as the UN’s technology partner at an event in New York covering the way mobile technologies can be used to alleviate the impact of natural disasters. The operator was picked following its handling of the earthquake in 2011, and its work to differentiate its network technologies and applications.
UNDP associate administrator, Rebecca Grynspan, says the ability to quickly share information in the wake of conflicts or natural disasters can be a lifesaver. “Mobile technology enables citizens to connect to each other and the authorities, spreading critical information in times of crisis.”
Sureyya Ciliv, chief executive of Turkcell, explained the firm had repaired base stations damaged by the earthquake within a few hours, and that the firm reacted quickly to help people trapped under debris connect with emergency services.
“We are honored to be presented globally as an exemplary company, and to be named as a technology partner by the UNDP,” Ciliv says.